Match round 12 in the Colombian Copa Mustang II features a highly anticipated clash as leaders Independiente Medellin host second-placed Atletico Junior. Atletico Huila defend their third place against La Equidad.
Independiente Medellin are four points ahead of Junior and although even a defeat wouldn’t threaten their first place, ‘DIM’ will want to extend their lead rather than having it reduced. Recent encounters with Junior however, point out that the Barranquilla side is more successful as the ‘Sharks’ have beaten Medellin on the last several occasions. The most recent meeting was less than a month ago, when Junior eliminated Medellin from the Copa Colombia.
Atletico Huila lost to Nacional last week and hope to bounce back against La Equidad in their first home match since the loss of Hernan Cordoba and Mario Beltran in a car crash two weeks ago. Huila should be able to take advantage of La Equidad’s poor form, as the Bogota outfit haven’t won a league match since July.
Deportivo Pasto are currently in fourth place and are favored to collect another three points in the match against reigning champions Once Caldas. The away side are currently in 15th place and seem to have little chance of advancing, due to which the level of motivation may begin to lower. Pasto haven’t been in the best of shapes themselves lately but should be able to bounce back in this match.
Santa Fe host Deportes Tolima at Bogota’s El Campin stadium, in a match that features two teams that fight to remain in the top eight. Tolima are currently in eighth place, which makes them the most vulnerable side of the two. Nevertheless, the Ibague side beat Santa Fe on the last two occasions and the question is whether the ‘Pijaos’ will again cause Santa Fe trouble.
Deportivo Cali host Atletico Nacional in another game that features two teams that are on course for a spot in the group phase. Nacional are in sixth place with three points more than seventh-placed Cali, who will do anything to get a win in this game and improve their position in the top eight.
In other matches, Deportivo Pereira host America de Cali in an attempt to enter the top eight, Millonarios visit Boyaca Chico in Tunja, Deportes Quindio travel to face Envigado and Real Cartagena receive Cucuta Deportivo.
